History of the Tea Bag: Who Invented It & Why?

Published 8/23/23
Tea Bags: A Staple of Modern Tea Culture
Tea bags are a staple of modern tea culture. They are simple, convenient, and undeniably popular—especially in the United States, where around 90% of tea drinkers opt for the convenience of tea bags over loose-leaf varieties. But have you ever wondered who first thought of putting tea leaves inside small, insoluble bags? Though traditional tea ceremonies in China and elsewhere emphasize a more elaborate brewing process, the invention of the tea bag revolutionized how many of us enjoy tea today. Let’s dive into the history of the tea bag, exploring its accidental origins and the factors that led to its widespread adoption.
The Accidental Invention of the Tea Bag
The invention of the tea bag can be traced back to the early 20th century, specifically to a New York tea merchant named Thomas Sullivan. In 1904, Sullivan began sending samples of his tea to customers in small silk bags instead of tin containers. His intention was not to create a brewing convenience but to offer customers an affordable way to try different varieties of tea. These silk sachets were essentially "samplers" that made it easy for potential buyers to experiment with his offerings.
Sullivan’s customers, however, found an unexpected use for the sachets. Instead of cutting open the silk bags, they decided to place them directly into their cups of hot water. To their surprise, the tea brewed quite well this way, albeit with a subtle silk flavor. The response was positive enough that Sullivan’s concept began to catch on, and before long, the tea bag—initially an accidental convenience—had started a revolution in the tea industry.
The Evolution of Tea Bag Materials
Once the practicality of tea bags was apparent, other tea merchants quickly adopted the idea. The original silk bags, while effective, were too expensive to produce at scale, prompting innovators to seek cheaper alternatives. Merchants began using gauze as a replacement material, allowing them to package and sell smaller tea leaves and tea dust—previously considered by-products with limited commercial value.
However, gauze was still not ideal for optimal flavor, and its texture could alter the experience of the tea. Enter Fay Osborne, a leading figure at the Dexter Corporation—a paper company that would eventually play a crucial role in refining tea bag materials. Osborne had an innovative breakthrough when he came across a type of porous yet sturdy paper used to wrap cigarettes. He believed this type of material would be perfect for tea bags: it was lightweight, effective for brewing, and retained the strength needed to hold the leaves during steeping.
Osborne experimented with a variety of fibers, eventually finding that abaca—a plant native to the Philippines, commonly used to make rope—was well-suited for tea bag production. It was strong, had just the right texture, and didn't interfere with the tea’s flavor. After three years of testing and development, tea bags made from abaca fibers began to replace gauze, dramatically improving the consumer experience.
Tea Bags in the Modern Era
The work of Fay Osborne and the Dexter Corporation continued into the 1970s, refining tea bag materials to achieve the right balance of cost, functionality, and flavor preservation. Today, most tea bags are made from a blend of wood fibers, thermoplastic fibers, and abaca. This combination ensures that the bags do not release harmful chemicals into the tea while remaining strong enough to contain even the finest tea particles.
Plastic mesh tea bags are also on the market, but there are concerns about their impact on health and the environment. Research suggests that steeping tea in plastic bags may release microplastics into the drink, raising potential health issues. As a result, many manufacturers are focusing on sustainable, biodegradable materials for tea bags to provide a safer and more environmentally-friendly brewing option.
The Legacy of the Tea Bag
The tea bag may have been an accidental invention, but it has become an essential part of tea culture in many parts of the world. It turned the intricate process of tea brewing into something quick, easy, and accessible, allowing millions to enjoy their favorite beverage with minimal fuss. The ongoing innovation in tea bag materials highlights a continued commitment to maintaining the quality of tea while enhancing convenience.
From silk sachets to the modern blend of fibers, the evolution of the tea bag is a testament to how an inventive solution can transform an entire industry—bringing the joy of tea to people in a convenient and affordable way.